Nagaland Encroachment on govt land won’t be tolerated: Y Patton

Deputy chief minister and chairman of DPDB Wokha, Yanthungo Patton, while chairing the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting on November 26 at the DC’s Conference Hall, Wokha, cautioned that no encroachment on government-acquired land would be tolerated.
According to a DIPR report, Patton made the statement while discussing the acquisition of Wokha Town Public Ground, after Lotha Hoho submitted a representation seeking transparency on sanctioned amount, boundary demarcation and acquisition rate. Patton said a joint inspection involving Lotha Hoho and relevant departments would be conducted soon.
Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Vineet Kumar, informed that 4.2 acres had been purchased outright at Rs. 270 per square foot and no encroachment had been detected. He added that the government intends to maintain two separate grounds—one for public gatherings and another exclusively for sports.
One of the key agendas discussed was the proposed development of Tsumang Lake, presented by president of District Angler Wokha Nagaland (DAWN), Tsenchumo Lotha. He laid out a plan for restoration and beautification of the lake, transforming it into a recreational hub, preventing encroachment, improving sewage management, and promoting aquaculture. Patton acknowledged that redevelopment of the lake has been under discussion for over a decade and suggested that if government hurdles persist, the project may be handed over to DAWN for effective implementation.
The meeting also deliberated on adoption of the National Highway Act 1956 for highway construction in Nagaland. Chairman of Lotha Hoho, Mhondamo Ovung, said while the Act included beneficial land compensation policies, it must be harmonized with Article 371A and the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, to safeguard people’s rights.
District Child Protection Officer Wokha, Moasenla Imchen, presented a proposal for establishment of a shelter home in the district, citing the growing number of children in conflict with the law and absence of a dedicated facility.
Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar also presented a review of the recently held Banana Festival, highlighting its economic impact, market expansion and MoUs signed with research institutions. Achievements included launch of the local brand Yuthi Delight, formation of Banana Growers Network, development of Lotha language tools, identification of 28 banana varieties and implementation of a credit outreach programme.
Departments including Water Resources, PWD and Roads & Bridges from Wokha and Baghty presented PowerPoint updates on ongoing and upcoming projects. The meeting also observed Constitution Day with the reading of the Preamble led by the DC.